Skip to main content

5 Ways to Cut Fuel Costs on Your Next Road Trip

 

Pixabay


If you are planning a cross-country road trip, you probably want to do everything you can to cut costs. There are so many expenses involved in the journey, from accommodation to activities to food, that you need to be careful not to go over budget and cut your trip short. But the most significant cost of a long car journey is almost always the fuel


Gasoline is essential for powering your car to get you from A to B, and there’s no way to avoid it. Of course, you could spend thousands of dollars on an electric vehicle, or sacrificing your independence and privacy by taking public transport, but this isn’t in the spirit of the road trip.


Fortunately, if you’re worried about the financial outlay of your trip, there are many things you do to reduce your fuel costs. Here are five tips to get you started.

Plan your journey

The higher your mileage, the more you’ll end up having to spend on fuel. You may be tempted to drive off into the sunset without a plan, but this isn't the most economical option in terms of fuel. By planning your route precisely, you can ensure your trip is more efficient, so you won’t squander fuel on an unnecessarily long journey. Make sure one of your passengers helps you with the navigation so you don't get lost and have to backtrack.

Drive better

Over the course of a cross-country car journey, the way you drive can have a huge effect on the amount of fuel you use. Many drivers adopt bad habits over time so it’s worth rethinking your driving to save a bit of money. Take some time to read up on fuel-efficient driving techniques that will consume less gasoline. For example, you should accelerate gradually, coast to decelerate, maintain a constant speed, and never idle when stationary. 

Find cheaper fuel

Gas stations on highways and busy roads always mark up their fuel prices, as drivers on long journeys will rarely have the time to be picky. But gas stations in urban areas almost always have cheaper fuel. When planning your route, factor in some detours through small towns so you can fill up on low-priced gasoline. And if you see some unexpectedly cheap fuel on the way, it might be a good idea to top up.

Pack light

The more weight you take with you, the greater the drag on your vehicle and subsequently the more fuel you use. Only pack what you really need for your road trip and leave everything else at home.

Prepare your vehicle

Older and poorly-maintained vehicles generally have a lower fuel economy. You can increase yours by taking it in for a full service before you embark on your trip. Checking the oil levels and keeping the tires inflated to the correct pressure will make a huge difference.


Following these five tips will enable you to save money on your fuel costs and stick to your budget for the duration of your trip. Just remember not to fret too much over fuel, and let yourself relax so you can enjoy your adventure.


Comments

  1. ...and avoid buying those petrol guzzlers. They say Korean ones are bad,

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you, readers!

Popular posts from this blog

Three Hours City Tour At Ensenada, Mexico

A THREE HOURS CITY TOUR when we embarked in Mexico on the second morning.   My sister booked the three hours city tour in Ensenada, Mexico, a van came to pick us up from the port.  Ensenada is the border of Mexico and it reminds me of Hatyai, a border town too between Malaysia and Thailand.  We were taken to a shopping area where we must haggle for the goods.  LOL.. Yes, something common in my own country... Anyway, we did not buy anything for ourselves... just a wooden handmade truck for my grandson which cost $8usd.   Nothing much to shout about on this three hours excursion, I was so sleepy on the way back to the ship that I dozed off and only awaken when we were driven through the town.  All in all, I just wanted to step onto Mexican soil and I would give this a miss if I were to go on this Mexico cruise again.  LOL... At the open area shopping walking towards the Blowhole... This is La Bufadora Blowhole, an amazing natural marine geyser that is capable of shooting water over 60 fe

Exploring The Sea Cruise Royal Caribbean

CRUISING ALONG.... Once we deposited our bags in our cabins, we had our buffet meal at the Hammerjack restaurant and exactly at 4pm, we heard a loud Horn signal...  ITS TIME TO SAIL ALONG THE PACIFIC OCEAN! And while the ship started to sail, we humans started to walk and explore.... to familarize ourselves inside the ship....  Elevators on each side of the ship....  Making my mark....  On another side....  We walked along to check out our food outlets... This Promenade Cafe  had became our regular joint .... We like to sit there enjoying our hot drinks and desserts... Free flow of food day and night.... Passing through the bars to the casino... The casino will open only when the ship is in international waters...  At one of the jackpot machines... I wonder if they are real?? But they are only $1 bundles... Then we went up to the highest floor.... The swimming deck.... Taken against the sun.... Nice sunset in the evening.... The Happy Trio!

First Day In The Royal Caribbean Cruise To Mexico

ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT.... gently down the sea....  Royal Caribbean, it is my second time following this giant vessel, the first time was from Singapore to Phuket, that was a very nice cruise.  So when my son mentioned that he found a good deal online, this time to Mexico, I agreed without hesitation.  Let's Go! A three nights stay with food and lodging only cost around $250 per person with at least one senior in per room.  Meals were either buffet style or fine dining, we can choose and cafes were opened 24 hours for us to rest and relax.  How not to resist... LOL...  And so here we are... just one week after landing in US, I was on the sea....  Looks small from afar...  It was a giant vessel with at least 14 floors.... On the way to embarking after Custom Clearance...  Our room for the next three nights....  Small and cosy.... And adjoining to my son's family room through a door...  The one with balcony cost a bit more...  A short briefing about safety after we checked in....